The 32-year-old striker is quoted in the Liverpool Echo, saying: “When Adam told me Liverpool were interested I knew straight away he could fit in because he plays so many different positions across the line.

“Even then I was thinking ‘what a great signing’ he will be for Liverpool. That was a while back so it’s a great signing. I would say that if I was a Liverpool player or not. I’d be really excited about it. It’s early days but I can see how he has fitted in straight away."

It seems to be a sign of the type of players that Brendan Rodgers wants at Liverpool. He doesn't want a whole group of players to just play the one position, but have the ability to play elsewhere - and in Lallana they have a player who can play all across the midfield area, along with the supporting the attack.

There are probably very few people in football who are more qualified to judge what kind of footballer Lallana is than Lambert given the time they spent climbing the divisions together at Southampton.

His technique and close control are likely to be an asset as well as just having another option from the bench - whether that will be the new signing himself or another member of the squad. He could be in and out of the side given that the Reds are competing on four fronts.

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.